Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
gel/topical solution
- 6.3%
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
liquid
- 5%
- 6.3%
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
Bee Stings, Minor Burns, Sunburn, Insect Bites
Apply 5-20% to affected area q6-8hr PRN; remove sting prior to application if a bee sting
Mouth and Gum Irritation
Apply 10-20% solution (or other topical formulation) PRN
Sore Throat/Mouth Pain
1 lozenge dissolved in mouth; repeat q2hr PRN (generally use <2 days)
Apply 1 spray to affected area; spit after 1 min; may repeat up to 4 times
Hemorrhoids
Apply 5-20% externally to affected area q4hr
Dental pain
Use 2.5-20% solution (or other topical formulation) PRN
Boils
Apply 20% to affected area; not to exceed q12hr
Premature Ejaculation
EjectDelay (7.5% gel): Apply small amount to the penis gland 15-20 min before sexual intercourse
It can be applied with or without a condom
Washed off after intercourse
Dosage Forms & Strengths
gel/topical solution
- 6.3%
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
liquid
- 5%
- 6.3%
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
Teething Pain
<4 years
- Safety and efficacy not established
≥4 years
- Apply 7.5-10% to affected gum area; not to exceed q6hr
Bee Stings, Boils, Minor Burns, Sunburn, Insect Bites
<2 years
- Safety and efficacy not established
≥2 years
- Apply 5-20% to affected area q6-8hr PRN; remove sting prior to application if a bee sting
Mouth and Gum Irritation
<2 years: safety and efficacy not established
≥2 years: Apply 10-20% solution (or other topical formulation) PRN
Sore Throat/Mouth Pain
<5 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥5 years
- Oral lozenge: 1 lozenge dissolved in mouth; repeat q2hr PRN (generally use <2 days)
- Oral spray: Apply 1 spray to affected area; spit after 1 min; may repeat up to 4 times
Hemorrhoids
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥12 years: Apply 5-20% externally to affected area q4hr
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Burning
Contact dermatitis
Edema
Pruritus
Erythema
Rash
Stinging tenderness
Urticaria
Methemoglobenemia
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to benzocaine or other ester-type local anesthetics
Secondary bacterial infection of treated area
Cautions
Not for use in open wounds, for prolonged time and/or on large portions of the body; avoid contact with eyes
Some dosage forms may contain benzyl alcohol; large amounts of benzyl alcohol associated with potentially fatal toxicity in neonates (gasping syndrome)
Some dosage forms contain propylene glycol; large amounts are potentially toxic as they are associated with lactic acidosis, hyperosmolality, seizures and respiratory depression
Rectal dosage form is for external use only; not for inserting into rectum using fingers or any mechanical device
Irregular heartbeats, respiratory depression, seizures, and death reported in patients who applied topical anesthetics, without supervision of a trained professional, in large amounts or large areas of the skin, used wraps/dressing to cover skin, or left products on for prolonged periods of time
Methemoglobinemia
- Methemoglobinemia reported following topical use, especially when high concentrations (14-20%) of spray formulations applied to mouth or mucous membranes; suspected cases should be confirmed by co-oximetry, as it yields accurate measures of methemoglobin levels
- Not for use for teething or mouth pain in infants and children <2 years due to risk of methemoglobinemia
- Use caution in patients with heart disease, hemoglobin or enzyme abnormalities, inflamed or damaged mucosa, or respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema in smokers; patients at risk should consider alternatives to benzocaine sprays
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Local anesthetics prevent generation/conduction of nerve impulses by reducing sodium permeability and by increasing action potential threshold
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain Relieving (benzocaine) topical - | 20 % ointment |  | |
| Anbesol (benzocaine) mucous membrane - | 10 % liquid |  | |
| Anbesol (benzocaine) Maximum Strength mucous membrane - | 20 % gel |  | |
| HurriCaine mucous membrane - | 20 % aerosol |  | |
| HurriCaine mucous membrane - | 20 % solution |  | |
| Oral Anesthetic mucous membrane - | 20 % gel |  | |
| Unguentine topical - | 6.6-3-2.5-2.2 % ointment |  | |
| Boil Relief topical - | 20 % ointment |  | |
| Hurricaine One mucous membrane - | 20 % liquid |  | |
| Hurricaine One mucous membrane - | 20 % liquid |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
benzocaine topical
BENZOCAINE - TOPICAL
(BEN-zoe-kane)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Americaine, Boil Ease
USES: This medication is used on the skin to stop itching and pain from certain skin conditions (such as scrapes, minor burns, insect bites) and to treat minor discomfort and itching caused by hemorrhoids and certain other problems of the genital/anal area (such as anal fissures, itching around the vagina/rectum). Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that works by causing temporary numbness/loss of feeling in the skin.
HOW TO USE: If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.Before use, clean and dry the affected area as directed. Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area of skin as directed.If you are using the spray, shake the can well before using. Hold the can 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) from the affected area and spray until wet. Do not spray near your eyes, nose, or mouth.Do not use on large areas of the body, cover the area with waterproof bandages or plastic, or apply heat unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects.Wash your hands right after use unless you are treating an area on the hands. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse right away with plenty of water.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use more of this product, use it more often, or use it longer than directed.If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary redness, stinging, or irritation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat, seizures.This medication has rarely caused a very serious (possibly fatal) blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). This effect is more likely if you have breathing problems, certain diseases of the blood, or if you smoke (see also Precautions section). The symptoms of this disorder may occur within minutes to a couple of hours after using this medication. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of methemoglobinemia, including: pale/bluish/gray skin, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, dizziness, headache, confusion.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, new or worsening itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using benzocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "caine" anesthetics (such as procaine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: broken skin/infection in the affected area, heart disease, certain blood disorders (G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hemoglobin-M disease, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency), breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, smoking history).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should not use it on or near the nipple to prevent a nursing infant from swallowing it. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, seizures.
NOTES: Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.
MISSED DOSE: If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2021. Copyright(c) 2022 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
